Steareth-20

Benefits
Softening

What is Steareth-20?

Steareth-20 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant created by ethoxylating stearyl alcohol, a long-chain fatty alcohol sourced from vegetable oils or animal fats, with 20 molecules of ethylene oxide. This process yields a hydrophilic molecule capable of bridging oil and water. In cosmetics, it appears in categories like moisturizers, cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners. It works by reducing surface tension to facilitate dirt removal during cleansing, forming micelles that encapsulate oils and impurities for rinsing. As an emulsifier, it creates a protective layer at the oil-water boundary, yielding stable lotions and creams with even distribution. It also solubilizes lipophilic components such as fragrances into water-based systems, promoting clarity in toners and sprays. Its balanced lipophilic-hydrophilic properties support versatile applications across rinse-off and leave-on products.

Comedogenic Rating 2/5 Moderate risk
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Promotes skin softening for a smoother feel.

Supports effective yet gentle cleansing action.

Enhances emulsion stability for reliable product texture.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals preferring creamy lotions and moisturizers.
People with acne-prone skin due to moderate comedogenic potential.
Users of shampoos and body washes needing good lather.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
Those desiring clear, fragrance-infused water-based products.
Users seeking fully natural or minimalist formulas.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low to moderate hazard (1-3) by EWG assessments.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert reviews like CIR.

Frequently Asked Questions about Steareth-20

What is Steareth-20 used for in skincare?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing, emulsifier for lotions, and solubilizer for fragrances.

Is Steareth-20 comedogenic?

It has a moderate comedogenic rating of 2, so caution for acne-prone skin.

How safe is Steareth-20?

EWG scores it 1-3; safe in cosmetics per regulatory reviews.